Vernon's smoke alarm campaign is on fire

Vernon Fire Rescue would say it's not about the recognition, but nevertheless, they're getting some from the Minister of Justice.

The Hon. Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, will formally recognize the Vernon Fire Department for its smoke alarm efforts at an event Tuesday.

"It all started with a goal to have one smoke alarm in every household," says fire chief Kieth Green. "Statistics say there's not."

The campaign has its roots with the Surrey Fire Department, but Vernon was quick to jump on board last year. Locally, the campaign was targeted at senior's residences and manufactured home parks. Statistics show children, seniors and people with disabilities are most endangered by fire related accidents. Additionally, those who live in rental units, households in low-income areas, rural communities, and First Nations reserves are at greater risk.

Green says the department launched the campaign at Big Chief Mobile Home and RV Park on 25th Avenue.

"We replaced 150 expired or not-working alarms," Green says of the door to door efforts by fire fighters. Funding for the detectors was provided by Silver Star Rotary.

Green says the award is a welcome compliment, and anticipates the campaign will only grow.

"We will expand what we've done (at Big Chief and Pleasant Valley mobile home park) to other high density areas," he says.

The event will be held at the Vernon Fire Hall, and those interested in attending are asked to arrive at 10:15 a.m. The event is expected to be about an hour.

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